From first impression, you might expect this article to provide the perfect formula for beginning University. However, the truth is there is no perfect way to start Uni, instead there are right ways to start a personalized journey that reflects your unique experiences and choices. In this post, I will share with you some of the personal things that I did in the beginning of my journey to university, that are now embedded in my daily life. I will give you advice, motivation and a small insight into Uni life. (P.S. Each and everyone's journey is unique and different, the things that we do and the extent to which we do them will heavily reflect our success).
Packing Up
The journey to university truly begins once you’ve been accepted by your desired institution. Suddenly, you’re faced with the need to prepare, transfer, and change your life. We all share that common feeling: university is where we’ll rewrite our stories. For me, packing up meant leaving behind non-essential items and selecting what would truly be useful in this new chapter. During my first year, I stayed in ensuite accommodation.
Here are some recommendations for what to take, depending on your accommodation:
Bedding:
- 2 duvets
- 2 sets of pillows
- Covers
Clothing:
- 5 sets of clothing for various occasions (lectures, clubbing, church, gym, etc.)
- 4–5 pairs of shoes
- Socks
- Scarf, gloves and good coats
Body Care:
- Toothpaste
- Skincare essentials
- Bath wash
- Bath cloth scrub
- Towel
- Shaving utensils
- Hair care products
Cleaning Products:
- Shower and all-purpose cleaning products
- Laundry capsules or liquid
- Antibacterial wipes
- Bin bags
- Cloths and sponges
Kitchen Utensils:
- 2 plates
- 2 cups
- 2 pans
- 2 sets of cutleries
- Meal prep lunch boxes
- Cutting boards
- And more, based on your preferences
Study Equipment:
- Laptop
- Lamp
- Notebooks
- Essential stationery
- A few books for leisure reading
There is so many more stuff that I haven’t mentioned, but the option is always yours to add them to your own list. The key is to not overspend on too many unnecessary things. You’re going to Uni not Mars!
Moving in
I remember the whole moving process like it was yesterday, the nervousness in the car as my father drove me to the city of which I was going to spend a major part of my life and the excitement yet uneasy feeling that was shared among me and my sisters. The trip felt long yet so short and in a blink of an eye I was standing near the entrance of my room door ready to unload everything.
After unpacking and setting up my room, my father’s lectures about safety, boys, and studies echoed in my mind. Then came the moment—I was on my own. It was scary, but also a pivotal realization. Everything—from cooking to shopping, laundry, studying, and sleep—was now in my hands.
If you’re about to move in or have already done so, consider these steps:
- Room Check: Look around your room for anything faulty or damaged. Take pictures and store them for reference.
- Ideal Routine: Reflect on your ideal routine—whether daily or weekly. Write it down in a planner.
- Budgeting: Track your spending. Note how much you aim to spend each week and month during the academic year.
- Job Search: Explore job opportunities in your city. Earning extra income can be highly beneficial.
- Flat Mate Interaction: Greet your flat mates in a friendly manner. Building rapport early on sets a positive tone.
- Rest Well: Moving is exhausting. Take time to rest and recharge.
Flat mates and Meeting new People
Fortunately, my flat mates were people I could easily get along with—they became my main circle of friends. However, I recognize that not all students have such a smooth experience. Building a good rapport with flat mates is crucial, especially during the first week to the first month of living together. Whether it’s flat mates, course buddies, or society friends, take the time to study the people around you.
I was in an all-girl flat consisting of 6 people. We always communicated about things through our group chat and in-person. We had a shared drive to stay close and to maintain a positive energy. We always kept our kitchen clean; we would empty the bins whenever it was needed. We would make plans together to beautify our experience in Uni, such as an outing together, a quick walk around the city or a movie night in the kitchen.
Remember! Choose Your Circle Wisely:
The people you surround yourself with will significantly impact your Uni life. Seek out those who uplift you, share your values, and contribute positively to your journey.
Good Habits!
As a student, forming good habits is essential. Now that you’re on your own, it’s easy to slip into harmful patterns. Here are some habits I adopted during my time at uni:
- Keeping a Clean Room: I designated specific days for deep cleaning my room and bathroom. A tidy space promotes a peaceful mind.
- Shopping List Strategy: Before heading to the store, I always make a shopping list. Research shows that planning and having a list can prevent impulse buying.
- Healthy Eating: Figuring out meals can be challenging. I aimed to eat at least one nutritious meal each day. Planning breakfast, lunch, and dinner helped me stay on track.
- Daily Study and Reading: Consistency matters. I made time for studying or reading a book every day.
- Prioritizing Sleep: A good sleep schedule ensured I woke up early and ready for the day. I aimed to sleep by 11 pm and rise an hour before heading to uni.
There's plenty of Planners that I've created to monitor this.
Remember
Finally, remember the reason why you are in university. The reason should be your drive to do most of the things I've listed and spoken about. Chase that dream or profession. You can only take away the most you put in. Write that story. Build that empire. Create something new. Uni is not just about the course that you’re studying, it’s about you, it’s about your personal development, the construction of your self-hood. Uni is your canvas—paint it boldly!
(Here's a link to my vlog video on my first week in uni.)
